Knockroon to Dumfries House 12th December

 

The Ooters they like sunshine, the Ooters they like sna’

But these dreich and dour conditions, they cannae hack at a’

Wi’ flooded paths, mud and glaur, driving rain and a’

Ye get tae the pub early wi’ the Ooters

 

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

It had rained heavily on the way to Knockroon but, by the time we were ready to set off to Dumfries House, it had gone off leaving a chilly wind. Davie and Isla went towards Auchinleck before cutting down through the overgrown path whilst Jimmy led the rest to the new school and out behind it on to the Lugar path, which was thankfully dry.

Davie was waiting for us at the underpass, and we were in good spirits as the weather was improving, so we headed to our usual coffee spot in the arboretum and enjoyed a fifteen-minute break during which a decision was made to carry on to the A-frame. However, we were thwarted as, after a couple of hundred yards, the path was flooded to the extent that even our most intrepid members agreed that we would turn back.

Jimmy suggested walking up the path to the Temple Gate so, like the Grand Old Duke of York, he marched us up to the top of the hill and then marched us down again. Next stop was the walled garden where we found some shelter and took an early lunch.

There was some talk of visiting the crucifix but, in the end, all decided to take the quickest way back to the cars which was good news for Graham who was struggling with sore ankles. Back at the underpass most turned left to take the track up along Auchinleck Burn whilst Davie, Rex and Johnny went straight on retracing Davie’s earlier route. Just as we thought we had won a watch with the weather, the rain started again and the main group got a soaking walking along the main road back to Knockroon, but our luck changed, as the rain went off when we reached there allowing us to get changed in dry conditions.

FRT was taken in the Black Bull in Mauchline where, as usual, the sausage rolls were most welcome. Thanks again, folks.

Despite the fifteen minutes driving rain, it had been a good day out, all things considered, with the six and a half miles or so done in three hours, including all the stops.